Skip to content

Bethel University vs St Olaf College

Bethel University is a private university in Saint Paul, MN, and St Olaf College is a private college in Northfield, MN. St Olaf College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 88% at Bethel University. St Olaf College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,874 a year against $28,556 at Bethel University. About 84% of students graduate at St Olaf College, compared with 73% at Bethel University. Ten years after enrolling, St Olaf College alumni earn a median of about $65,543, against $63,764 for Bethel University.

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN · Private

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Northfield, MN
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,871
3,093
Acceptance rate
88%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1300
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,556
$23,874
Full cost / yr
$58,569
$71,843
In-state tuition
$44,226
$59,760
Out-of-state tuition
$44,226
$59,760
Application fee
$30
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,218
$10,404
$30k - $48k
$22,279
$11,342
$48k - $75k
$20,071
$12,584
$75k - $110k
$24,963
$20,367
Over $110k
$33,155
$33,166
Outcomes
Graduation rate
73%
84%
Freshman retention
86%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,145
$48,373
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,764
$65,543
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
21%
First-generation students
19%
13%
International students
0%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jul 25
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bethel University or St Olaf College harder to get into?
St Olaf College is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 88% at Bethel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bethel University or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,874 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,556 at Bethel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bethel University and St Olaf College?
Before aid, Bethel University costs about $58,569 a year and St Olaf College about $71,843. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bethel University or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,404 there, against about $22,218 at Bethel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bethel University or St Olaf College?
St Olaf College is the larger of the two, with about 3,093 undergraduates against 1,871 at Bethel University.
Does Bethel University or St Olaf College have a better graduation rate?
St Olaf College has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 73% at Bethel University.
Do graduates of Bethel University or St Olaf College earn more?
St Olaf College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,764 for Bethel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bethel University and St Olaf College require SAT or ACT scores?
Bethel University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. St Olaf College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bethel University and St Olaf College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1300 at Bethel University and 1300–1470 at St Olaf College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school